Travis Chaput, giving back

The Republican contender for the state Senate seat Linda Melconian is vacating will have to give back all of the money collected for his first major fundraising event. Travis Chaput is in the news for using Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott's name on the invitations in violation of state campaign finance laws forbidding non-elective officials from engaging in political fundraising. Scott was unaware his name was being used.

Chaput's campaign manager terms the incident a "rookie mistake," saying they were just listing the names of local luminaries who would be attending the $125 per ticket affair. Chaput's Democratic opponent, Rep. Stephen Buoniconti, was forgiving, saying "honest mistakes get made." It will be interesting to see if things stay this civil as election day gets closer.